According to the "iGaming Future 2026" report released by EvenBet Gaming, the global online gambling industry is entering a development phase dominated by regulation, with compliance pressure becoming the primary challenge for the industry. The report shows that 19% of respondents listed regulatory pressure as the main risk, higher than market competition (17%) and responsible gambling (13%). Since 2024, the Philippine government has been vigorously rectifying POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), with many platforms being shut down or relocated, leading to unemployment of foreign workers and increased vacancy rates in office buildings. India, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Brazil, and other countries have also introduced strict restrictions, and technology platforms have simultaneously strengthened gambling advertising control. The industry is enhancing compliance capabilities through AI risk control and data technology, and it is expected that by 2026, the market will enter a phase of elimination, with only well-capitalized, technologically advanced companies surviving.
Industry Risk Perception Shift
EvenBet Gaming's latest report points out that the global gambling industry is shifting from an expansion phase to a compliance-led phase. The survey shows that 19% of industry respondents view regulatory pressure as the primary risk, a proportion that exceeds market competition (17%) and responsible gambling (13%), indicating a fundamental shift in industry focus.
Industry insiders generally believe that the focus of the gambling industry is shifting from market expansion to legal compliance, and the traditional golden age of racing to grab land has ended.
Philippine Regulatory Case and Impact
The Philippines has become a global focus case for gambling regulation, with the government vigorously rectifying POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) since 2024. Many platforms have been ordered to shut down or relocate, an action that has caused tens of thousands of foreign workers to become unemployed and led to a significant increase in the vacancy rate of some office buildings in Manila.
Analysts point out that the Philippines' strong cleanup action reflects the global trend of gambling regulation shifting to a "high-pressure mode," providing a reference case for other countries.
Global Regulatory Policy Trends
Regulatory policies for gambling in various countries are showing a clear tightening trend: India implements a comprehensive ban on online gambling, the United Kingdom strictly restricts gambling advertising and bonus terms, the Netherlands bans gambling brand sports sponsorships, Brazil introduces high taxes and advertising restrictions, and Colombia imposes value-added tax on gambling companies.
These measures indicate that global regulation of the gambling industry is continuously strengthening, and the industry faces a stricter compliance environment.
Technology Platform Policy Changes
Technology giants are simultaneously strengthening gambling advertising control, with platforms like Google, Meta, and Telegram comprehensively restricting gambling advertising. These policy changes have limited traditional customer acquisition channels, making the "traffic play" almost ineffective and forcing companies to rethink their marketing strategies.
The strengthening of advertising control further increases the operational difficulties and compliance costs of gambling companies.
Industry Response Strategies and Development
Facing regulatory pressure, industry giants are seeking breakthroughs through technological innovation. Companies are investing in AI risk control systems, data anti-fraud technology, and localized market strategies to enhance operational resilience and compliance capabilities. These technological means help companies maintain competitiveness in a strict regulatory environment.
The report predicts that by around 2026, the global online gambling market will enter an "elimination phase," where only well-capitalized, technologically advanced, and compliance-flexible companies will survive.
Market Adjustment and Future Outlook
The next two years are seen as a critical window period that will determine the fate of the gambling industry. The industry will undergo deep adjustments, facing stricter regulatory scrutiny from the Philippines to European markets. The operating space in gray areas will be significantly compressed, and companies must adapt to new compliance requirements.
The market will develop in a more standardized, transparent, and responsible direction, with compliance capabilities becoming a key component of corporate core competitiveness.
Regulatory Goals and Industry Impact
The main goals of increasingly strict global regulation are to protect consumers, prevent fraud and money laundering, and promote responsible gambling. Although these regulatory measures increase the operating costs of companies, they help enhance the overall image of the industry and its long-term sustainable development.
Strengthened regulation is also driving industry technological innovation and operational model optimization, prompting companies to find more sustainable development paths.
Regional Differences and Compliance Challenges
There are significant differences in regulatory policies across regions, and companies need to comply with multiple regulatory frameworks. This complexity increases operating costs but also provides a competitive advantage for companies with strong compliance capabilities.
Localized compliance strategies are becoming increasingly important, and companies need to deeply understand the specific regulatory requirements of each market.
Technology Innovation and Compliance Integration
AI and data analysis technologies are increasingly used in the compliance field, helping companies more effectively identify and mitigate risks. These technologies not only improve compliance efficiency but also optimize user experience, achieving a balance between regulatory requirements and business development.
Technology innovation is becoming an important bridge connecting compliance requirements and commercial value.
Sustainable Development Path
In the context of increasingly strict regulation, the gambling industry needs to explore more sustainable development paths. This includes strengthening responsible gambling measures, improving transparency, enhancing user experience, and establishing constructive cooperation with regulatory authorities.
In the long run, only companies that can balance commercial interests with social responsibilities will be able to sustain development in a strict regulatory environment.
